Java Backend Lead Developer (Remote)

Cognizant; City of Albany (NY); Remote; USD 68,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus PTO

401(k) plan and contributions

Disability (Long-term/Short-term)

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Java Backend Lead Developer to design and deliver scalable, cloud-based applications and analytics solutions. You will lead the engineering team, promote cloud-native practices, and ensure successful production delivery.

You will collaborate with program managers, tech leads, and stakeholders to translate requirements into reliable solutions, guide developers, and oversee deployment and observability.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of software development experience with Java, Spring, Spring Boot, and Spring Data JPA.
• Design and develop scalable backend applications, ideally in high-volume environments.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise messaging (Kafka) or similar systems.
• Experience deploying apps on major cloud platforms.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, and modern deployment practices.
• Proven ability to lead technical discussions and mentor teams in Agile Scrum.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable backend applications and analytics solutions using Java, Spring, Spring Boot, and cloud technologies.
• Partner with program managers, technology leads, and stakeholders to evaluate requirements and guide technical discussions.
• Develop high-quality features with unit testing and code coverage in line with coding standards.
• Provide technical guidance and create/tune functional and technical specifications and solution designs.
• Oversee testing, deployment, production readiness, and monitoring/observability.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Spring Data JPA

Apache Kafka

Cloud platforms

CI/CD pipelines

Kubernetes

Agile Scrum

Technical leadership

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Google Cloud Platform

Job description

About the role

As a Java Backend Lead Developer, you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable, cloud-based applications and analytics solutions using modern Java technologies. You will be a valued member of the engineering team and work collaboratively with technical program managers, technology leads, developers, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into reliable solutions.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle while promoting engineering quality, cloud-native practices, and successful production delivery.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Important Disclaimers

Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and development of scalable backend applications and analytics solutions using Java, Spring, Spring Boot, and cloud technologies.
• Partner with technical program managers, technology leads, and business stakeholders to evaluate requirements, recommend solutions, and guide technical conversations.
• Develop high-quality application features in accordance with established coding standards, including unit testing and project-defined code coverage requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to developers and support the preparation of functional specifications, technical specifications, service documentation, and solution designs.
• Oversee application testing, deployment, and production readiness, including the implementation of appropriate monitoring and observability solutions.

What you need to have to be considered

• 9+ years of software development experience, with advanced expertise in Java, Spring, Spring Boot, and Spring Data JPA.
• Strong experience designing and developing scalable backend applications, preferably in high-volume or large-scale environments.
• Hands-on experience with Apache Kafka or another enterprise messaging or queueing technology.
• Experience developing and deploying applications on a major cloud platform.
• Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines, Kubernetes, and modern application deployment practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, guide developers, and collaborate effectively in an Agile Scrum environment.

These will help you stand out

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure.
• Experience designing or deploying analytics solutions and models on Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• Knowledge of cloud-native monitoring, application observability, and production support practices.
• Experience documenting service specifications, solution designs, and technical architecture for complex applications.
• Proven success supporting production deployments for large-scale or high-volume applications.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until September 18th, 2026

The annual salary for this position is between $68,000 – $130,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.